Plans for new concrete plant spark fears about increase in traffic

RESIDENTS have expressed their concern about plans for a new precast concrete manufacturing facility on the site of the old cement works, fearing that if it were to go ahead, there would be an increase of industrial traffic to the area.

Tarmac, the UK’s largest supplier of construction materials, has submitted an outline planning application to Wiltshire Council for the new manufacturing facility on the site of the old cement works and chimney, which was demolished in 2016.

Whilst the proposed facility will use the existing rail track for the delivery of cement and the transportation of the finished product, sand and aggregate needed to make the concrete slabs for high-speed rail tracks, will have to be delivered by road as there is no rail track at Tarmac’s Halecombe quarry.

“It will mean avoidable environmental degradation and air pollution for the people living along the route, whether in Westbury or in other Wilts communities such as Southwick and North Bradley,” said resident John Bowley in response to the application.

Local Joyce Field said, “I have no objection against the former cement works brown field site to be used for this purpose. However, I think that all the raw materials to be used for the manufacture and the finished products should come in and go out of the site by rail. This would save the increase of heavy vehicles on already busy roads through and around Westbury.”

Local councils have also shared their concerns about the potential increase in traffic. Westbury Town Council said, “The council has no objections; however, this is based on the following requirements being met and considered; There is concern over the possible increase in traffic (heavy goods) going through Westbury; a traffic management plan to be in place; welcoming landscape to minimise the environment; think about the view from the horse and the colour of the buildings, the colour should be sensitively blended with the landscape (not white or silver); vehicles should be clean and well covered to reduce spillage and dust.”

Chairman of West Ashton parish council, Richard Covington said, “We are seriously concerned that these roads are already above capacity and will not sustain this additional traffic. The transport strategy is inadequate as it does not provide a sustainable future for west Wiltshire.”

The consultation period for the application ended on Friday 8th December and a decision is expected to be made on Wednesday 31st January. To view the full application search 17/10578/ OUT in the planning search at www.wiltshire.gov.uk.